Since the client was not racing, I hesitate to call this a RACE re-cap...it is really more a TRAINING re-cap. Regardless it is a re-cap of running the half marathon at the OKC Memorial Marathon Event.
The day started out a bit rocky with a 2 hour gun delay due to thunderstorms! So for those racing it certainly posed a few challenges. I would say for those training it was a great experience of how to handle this issue should it occur on "your racing day"!
Let me say regardless which category you fall in, standing for 2 hours in a parking garage prior to running distance is a challenge for most and really is challenging for those who fall short on strength training. The other element is nutritional challenges as you stand and wait!
JJ tells me this is known in horse racing as being washed out before the start. That the horses pace and fidget and exhaust out before racing! Well let me just say that applies to humans as well! Finally we got the green light to go!
Our goal was to walk one minute and run one minute with negative splits. We had to slow pacing 60 seconds per mile to adjust for humidity which amazing enough amounted to a 13 minute add to the final time. We also dropped in a McDonalds to use the bathroom which added exactly 2 minutes. In addition the client hit nutrition difficulties creating a energy drop at mile 10 cured by banana at AS. This was attributed to the 2 hour delay due to all other training nutrition being on point! With all this being said we ran negative splits. The run was a success as client learned how to handle delays as well as finished strong and in good shape. We did treat ourselves to massage tent and a nice lunch at Cattleman's Steakhouse.
Now on to the next event...Cedar Ridge Trail Run with my sweet friend Dawn!
